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Mail Plus
FAQ
Q |
What is Mail Plus? |
A |
Mail Plus is a service that adds extra space to your mailbox. All Rakuten Broadband Premium mail accounts start at 20MB and with Mail Plus, you can upgrade that to 3GB. |
Q |
What is IMAP? |
A |
IMAP stands for Internet Message Access Protocol. Simply put, it is an alternative method of E-mail management that, when properly used, can be far more efficient than using the conventional POP system of mail retrieval. The advantages of IMAP, however, are, as with all things, largely in the eye of the beholder, and special attention should be given to the differences when determining which is better for you. |
Q |
How does IMAP differ from POP? |
A |
The POP (Post Office Protocol) system is what most E-mail users are probably familiar with. The way it works is simple. Your mail is stored on a remote server until your access it. In most cases "access" means download (i.e., it is removed from the server and then transferred to your local computer). It's easy to understand but not very convenient in situations when more than one person uses the address or when accessing the account from multiple locations. IMAP, on the other hand, was designed with those exact shortcomings in mind. One address can be accessed by multiple users. Mail is stored on the server at all times so no matter where you access the account, the mail is just as you left it. Furthermore, folders and subfolders can be created and used to form a management structure to best meet your needs. |
Q |
Should I use IMAP? |
A |
This depends on circumstances: In the case of a virus, the mail will be bounced back to the source UNLESS it is a virus that is known to forge sender information (in which case is it dropped (i.e., deleted). For SPAM, in most cases it will be sent back to the sender, provided that the return address is valid. |
Q |
Will Rakuten Broadband Premium help me learn how to use IMAP? |
A |
We have prepared basic setup and usage guides for Web mail and select E-mail software for your reference, but Rakuten Broadband Premium will not be providing support beyond that point. Please keep this in mind if you are a first-time user as Rakuten Broadband Premium cannot assume any responsibility for accidents (i.e., lost mail) caused by improper use of IMAP. |
Q |
Why do you recommend IMAP with Mail Plus? |
A |
Because the POP protocol downloads mail to your computer each time you check, the risk of session timeouts increases greatly as the size of your mailbox grows. Of course this depends greatly on the software you use and the bandwidth of your Internet connection. Some users may have no problem using POP with Mail Plus. |
Q |
How far can I increase my mailbox storage space? |
A |
Maximum allowed is 3GB. |
Q |
Why don't you give us Mail Plus for free? |
A |
There are plenty of free mail providers that will do so, but if you don't want to see advertisements in your mail and if you want free technical support to help with your mail troubles, we have to charge for this service. |
Q |
What do I need to use IMAP? |
A |
You need an Internet connection, a Rakuten Broadband Premium mail account, and some E-mail software such as Thunderbird or Outlook Express (Web mail can also be used). |
Q |
How do I apply for Mail Plus? |
A |
For new customers, the service application can be found during the online sign-up For existing customers the service application is available at the Member's Station. |
Q |
I applied for the 120MB Mail Plus service (210 yen/month tax included) in January of 2007. Now I see that for the same price the amount of space has been increased. Is there anything I need to do? |
A |
Every customer that applied for Mail Plus service by January of 2007 was automatically given an additional 80MB (for a total of 200MB) at no additional cost. No action on your part is required. |
Q |
I would like to CANCEL Mail Plus. What should I do? |
A |
By changing mailbox capacity to 20MB (0 yen) from the Member's Station, |
